PCMark 2004 Pro Performance

PCMark 2004 Pro is a much-needed upgrade to the standard 2002 version, and along with adapting to the ever-changing hardware world, FutureMark has also added some new tests. The PCMark 2004 design still cuts a line between purely synthetic and application-based benchmarks, and provides a more general view of computer performance. PCMark 2004 performs general use tasks such as image compression, grammar check, and audio conversion, while combining this with a selection of similar benchmarks for individual system components. As we're dealing with processor and subsystem performance, the main tests we'll be looking at are the System, CPU and Memory results.

PCMark 2004 has historically been a tough benchmark for AMD, especially when put against the highest-end Pentium 4 models. This time out, the Sempron 2800+ doesn't have to worry about Hyper-Threading, and posts an extremely close victory over the Celeron 335. The Sempron 3100+ doesn't fare quite as well, and even though the overall score is good, the new AMD value processor can't match the Athlon XP 2800+ or the two Pentium 4 2.8 GHz models in overall PCMark 2004 System performance.

The PCMark 2004 Memory benchmark tells us more about the different architectures than just the processors, but memory bandwidth is a very important facet of overall performance. The Sempron 2800+ falls well back of the Celeron 335, due to the lower CPU bus and resultant lower memory scores. The Celeron 335 still uses a quad-pumped 133 (533 MHz) CPU bus, and can make better use of the dual-channel DDR333. The Sempron 3100+ and its integrated DDR controller puts AMD back on even ground, and although it still can't match the higher-end Pentium 4-2.8 GHz scores, AMD's new value entrant does post the highest mark on the AMD side.

The PCMark 2004 Pro CPU benchmarking can make good use of the Intel Hyper-Threading feature to really rack up the points. This is clear in the Sempron 3100+ testing, as the Pentium 4-2.8E really takes it to the competition. The Sempron 3100+ does post a nice score, but still ranks behind the Athlon XP 2800+ and Pentium 2-2.8 GHz processors. Even without HT, the Celeron 335 still manages to outpace the Sempron 2800+, and even rises above the Sempron 3100+.